TEHRAN, July 12 (Reuters) – An Iranian newspaper published a “blacklist” of Western leaders on Saturday, directly naming Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a target. The list was released amid a sharp escalation in the Israel–US-Iran conflict on July 11.
The blacklist, reported by RaiNews and Corriere, includes several Western figures. Iran’s state-aligned publication provided no specific threat, but the move is widely seen as a propaganda tool to escalate diplomatic rhetoric.
On July 11, the conflict intensified. US forces launched new attacks on Iranian positions. Iran retaliated, and the strategic Hormuz Strait was blocked. The burial of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad on the same day added a symbolic layer to the crisis.
The regional toll is staggering. In Lebanon, since March 2, at least 4,322 people have been killed and 12,210 wounded, according to health ministry figures cited by RaiNews. The humanitarian crisis deepens as infrastructure is destroyed.
| Event | Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| US airstrikes on Iran | July 11 | New wave of attacks reported by Corriere |
| Iranian retaliation | July 11 | Missile and drone strikes on US positions |
| Hormuz Strait blockage | July 11 | Disrupts global oil supply routes |
| Khamenei burial in Mashhad | July 11 | Symbolic escalation, reported by RaiNews |
| Blacklist publication | July 12 | Includes Giorgia Meloni and other Western leaders |
Italian newspaper front pages on July 12, reviewed by Sky TG24, focused heavily on the blacklist and the broader war. Headlines framed Meloni’s inclusion as a direct provocation. International media coverage varies, but the blacklist is a dominant story.
Geopolitical analysts warn the blacklist risks further isolating Iran. Western governments, particularly Italy, are expected to respond diplomatically. The move complicates any potential peace negotiations and deepens regional instability.
The conflict timeline from July 11 to 12 is marked by rapid military actions and diplomatic posturing. The blacklist is the latest tool in an information war that accompanies the physical confrontation.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the ‘blacklist’ published by Iran?
- A: The ‘blacklist’ is a propaganda tool published by an Iranian newspaper on July 12, naming Western leaders including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni as targets amid heightened tensions.
- Q: What happened on July 11 in the Israel-US-Iran conflict?
- A: On July 11, the conflict escalated with US airstrikes on Iranian positions, Iranian retaliation with missiles and drones, the blockage of the Hormuz Strait, and the burial of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Mashhad.
- Q: Why is the Hormuz Strait blockage significant?
- A: The blockage of the Hormuz Strait disrupts global oil supply routes, impacting international energy markets and escalating economic tensions.
- Q: What is the humanitarian impact of the conflict?
- A: In Lebanon alone, at least 4,322 people have been killed and 12,210 wounded since March 2, with infrastructure destroyed, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Extended Reading
For continuous live updates, refer to Corriere‘s live blog (https://www.corriere.it/esteri/diretta-live/26_luglio_11/iran-usa-news-diretta-1.shtml), RaiNews‘s marathon coverage (https://www.rainews.it/maratona/2026/07/medio-oriente-maratona-guerra-nuovi-attacchi-usa-su-iran-rappresaglie-hormuz-bloccato-khamnei-seppellito-a-mashhad-815afdc9-6403-473d-8391-2e6058f79761.html), and Sky TG24‘s press review (https://tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2026/07/12/prime-pagine-quotidiani-12-luglio-oggi).
